The Magic of Lower League Football
Many people believe that the Premier League is ‘the best league in the world’ but they do not consider the unpredictable competition in the lower leagues of England. It is extremely simple to predict the top six in the Premier League with teams like Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, frequently excelling every season.
Outside of the Premier League there is a lot to explore in the world of English football. The atmospheres in all stadiums in the Championship, League One, League Two and the Vanarama National League are just as passionate (if not more so that those in the EPL), and all teams have to fight for promotion and to avoid relegation every season. Opposition is tough which has been highlighted by Sunderland’s back to back relegations over the last two seasons.
Part of this fierce competition is due to not having large finance gaps between different teams. In the Premier League, the top six have a much bigger transfer budget than the majority of the rest of the league. Non-league football is a great way to experience local football with a great community and because they do not possess a large transfer budget, it is all about progressing up leagues and fighting for wins every game. Lower league football is also arguably more exciting and unpredictable than the Premier League with back to back promotions a possibility if the right squad and spirit is assembled within a team.
In the local area particularly there have been some incredible season finales, with Ebbsfleet sneaking into the National League playoffs, before bowing out to Tranmere in extra time in the semi-final, whilst Dartford took part in a nail-biting final day battle for the title with Havant and Waterlooville, with Havant winning the title in the 89th minute of the final day.